A double-decker bus has dramatically burst to flames in south-west London. Firefighters were called to Market Place, Kingston, after the 371 bus caught fire just after 9am today (Friday 2 December).

Two fire engines were called to the scene and managed to extinguish the blaze an hour later. No one was seriously injured but the driver was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation by London Ambulance Service crews before being taken to hospital.

Metropolitan Police said that surrounding roads were closed off and nearby buildings evacuated as a precaution while the firefighters dealt with the incident.

The cause of the fire is currently unknown and under investigation.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "Two fire engines were called to a bus on fire in Market Place, Kingston.

"A double decker bus was well alight when firefighters arrived at the scene.

"The driver left the bus before the arrival of the brigade and was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation by London Ambulance Service crews before being taken to hospital

"The brigade was called at 9:11am and the fire was under control at 10:09am. Two fire engines from Kingston fire station attended the scene."